Introduction:
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. From its bustling cities to its charming small towns, Portugal has something to offer everyone. While there are plenty of popular tourist destinations in Portugal, there are also many hidden gems that are less well-known but just as worthy of a visit. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Portugal’s best hidden gems and provide tips on how to experience them like a local.
The Azores
The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 850 miles off the coast of Portugal. While they are part of Portugal, the Azores have a unique culture and landscape that sets them apart from the mainland. To experience the Azores like a local, consider staying in a traditional Azorean house or guesthouse, exploring the islands on foot or by bike, and trying local dishes like cozido, a stew made with meat and vegetables cooked in a volcanic hot spring.
Porto Santo
Located just off the coast of Madeira, Porto Santo is a small island that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of its larger neighbor. However, Porto Santo has plenty to offer visitors, including a long sandy beach that is said to have therapeutic properties, thanks to the island’s unique microclimate. To experience Porto Santo like a local, rent a bike or scooter to explore the island, sample the local seafood, and visit the small town of Vila Baleira, which is home to a number of historic buildings and monuments.
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Located on Portugal’s southwestern coast, Vila Nova de Milfontes is a charming town that is popular with Portuguese tourists but often overlooked by international visitors. The town is situated on the Mira River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and is surrounded by stunning beaches and natural scenery. To experience Vila Nova de Milfontes like a local, rent a kayak to explore the river, sample the local seafood at one of the town’s many restaurants, and visit the nearby historic town of Odemira.
Monsanto
Located in central Portugal, Monsanto is a hilltop village that is known for its picturesque streets and buildings, many of which are built into the granite boulders that surround the village. To experience Monsanto like a local, hike the trails around the village to take in the stunning views, explore the village’s narrow streets and alleys, and visit the castle at the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Evora
Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Évora is a historic city that is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and stunning architecture. To experience Évora like a local, explore the city’s narrow streets and alleyways on foot or by bike, sample the local wines and cheeses, and visit the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with the bones of over 5,000 monks.
Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is Portugal’s highest mountain range and is located in the central part of the country. The region is known for its stunning natural scenery, including mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and rolling hills. To experience Serra da Estrela like a local, hike the trails around the mountain range, sample the local cheeses and cured meats, and visit the charming town of Belmonte, which is known for its Jewish heritage.
São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and is known for its stunning natural scenery, including crater lakes, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes. To experience São Miguel like a local, rent a car to explore the island’s winding roads, hike the trails to take in the stunning views, and try the local cuisine, such as cozido das furnas, a traditional Azorean stew cooked in volcanic hot springs.
Algarve’s Ria Formosa
The Algarve region is known for its stunning beaches, but one of its hidden gems is the Ria Formosa, a natural park that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. To experience the Ria Formosa like a local, take a boat tour to explore the park’s lagoons and islands, sample the local seafood at one of the many restaurants in the surrounding towns, and visit the historic town of Tavira, which is known for its charming architecture and picturesque streets.
Aldeias do Xisto
Aldeias do Xisto, or “schist villages,” are a group of small villages located in the central part of Portugal that are known for their traditional architecture and natural beauty. To experience Aldeias do Xisto like a local, hike the trails that connect the villages, sample the local cuisine, such as chanfana, a traditional meat dish cooked with red wine and herbs, and visit the nearby town of Coimbra, which is home to one of Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
Praia do Guincho
Located just outside of Lisbon, Praia do Guincho is a stunning beach that is popular with local surfers and windsurfers. To experience Praia do Guincho like a local, rent a surfboard or windsurfing equipment to ride the waves, enjoy a picnic on the beach, and visit the nearby town of Cascais, which is known for its charming architecture and picturesque beaches.
Arrábida Natural Park
Located south of Lisbon, Arrábida Natural Park is a protected area that is home to stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, and dense forests. To experience Arrábida Natural Park like a local, hike the trails that wind through the park, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the park’s beaches, and visit the nearby town of Setúbal, which is known for its fresh seafood and charming historic center.
Monsaraz
Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Monsaraz is a small hilltop village that is known for its stunning views of the surrounding countryside. To experience Monsaraz like a local, wander the village’s narrow streets and alleys, visit the castle at the top of the hill for panoramic views, and sample the local wines and cheeses.
Madeira
Madeira is a beautiful island located off the coast of Portugal that is known for its stunning natural scenery, including towering cliffs, lush forests, and colorful gardens. To experience Madeira like a local, explore the island’s levadas, or irrigation channels, which wind through the mountains and offer stunning views, sample the local cuisine, such as espetada, a traditional meat skewer, and visit the charming town of Funchal, which is known for its historic center and picturesque harbor.
Guimarães
Located in northern Portugal, Guimarães is a historic city that is known as the birthplace of Portugal. To experience Guimarães like a local, explore the city’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the Castle of Guimarães, which is one of the most important medieval castles in Portugal, and sample the local cuisine, such as papas de sarrabulho, a traditional meat stew.
Conclusion:
Portugal is a country filled with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. By exploring Portugal like a local, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the culture and traditions that make this country so unique.
From the stunning beaches of the Algarve to the quaint villages of the Douro Valley, Portugal has something for everyone. By venturing off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems, travelers can truly immerse themselves in the local way of life.
